New Year's Eve 2015

Santiago is made up of 52 neighborhoods, each neighborhood sponsors fireworks.  Siting at the foot of the Andes, the highest peaks in the Americas, the city is littered with hills.  Some fireworks are set off on the hills and others at historical landmarks.  We climbed to the roof of a 23 story building and were able to view many fireworks.

Half of Chile's population lives in the Santiago metropolitan area.  So when you look out over the city, you just see a sea of lights.

Christmas 2015

 Christmas 2015 was surrounded with saying goodbye to people...  Really all year was filled saying goodbye as people finished their terms and others retired. 

The full moon rose over the mountain range on Christmas eve and it will be 16 years before it happens again, but the families that filled my house for dinner were leaving and I won't ever spend another Christmas with that group.  Oh we will see each other again, but it is sobering and encouraged me just to enjoy my limited time with those I in front of me right now. 

In the picture above is my mentor, of the past couple of years, as we got together one last time in my apartment.  We had limited time together and they left before Christmas, but they left such an impact in my life.  I hope to be that effective in the coming years.

Despedida

 My friends from my young adults study group left to spend a year in Antarctica.  We had a Frozen themed going away party. 

Thanksgiving 2015

 Wall to wall tables. :)

 My tradition of the Thankful Tree.  You take a leaf, say what you are thankful for, and then put it on the tree.  I am personally thankful for that mountain view.

Normally you say one quick thing, but this group preferred to give an account of their entire year.  It was wonderful. :)

Good food and amazing friends, which included my young adults group, my English class students, and neighbors.

The after party.

God bless the friends that insist on helping do the dishes.

Peaceful moon reflecting the peace and joy in my heart after the event.

Machu Picchu Trip (w/ Dad)

 City of Cuzco

 Inca Architecture

 Cuzco at Night

 Sacred Valley

 

 

 Train Ride to Aguas Calientes

 Machu Picchu

 Bus Ride From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

 Town of Aguas Calientes

 Return to Cuzco